Kazakhstan is preparing to build an international Earth observation satellite constellation of nine spacecraft by 2030, with plans to potentially expand the network to 14 satellites, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Development and Artificial Intelligence Zhaslan Madiyev said.

The initiative could strengthen Kazakhstan’s space capabilities while creating a new platform for international cooperation in Earth remote sensing, according to Qazinform.

Madiyev said that Kazakhstan has already reached agreements with Mongolia, the Republic of the Congo and Nigeria to participate in the project.

“By 2030, we plan to create an international constellation of nine satellites for Earth observation. It will include six satellites from Kazakhstan, as well as satellites from Mongolia, the Republic of the Congo and Nigeria. We are open to cooperation with new partners and see the potential to expand the constellation to 14 satellites,” Madiyev said at the Space Days Kazakhstan international forum.

The planned constellation will be designed for Earth observation and remote sensing, with Kazakhstan providing six of the nine spacecraft initially.

Alongside the Earth observation initiative, Kazakhstan is developing KazSat-3R, a replacement for the country’s KazSat-3 communications satellite.

The new spacecraft is expected to help maintain the stable operation of Kazakhstan’s national satellite communications system while meeting modern technological requirements.

Kazakhstan is also investing in its ability to design, assemble and test spacecraft domestically.

A spacecraft assembly and testing facility is already operating in Astana, allowing engineers to assemble satellites, conduct key tests and develop the country’s space engineering capabilities.

The facility is also expected to help Kazakhstan participate in international spacecraft manufacturing projects, signaling a broader push to build the country’s role in the global space industry.

The planned satellite constellation, the development of KazSat-3R and expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities point to Kazakhstan’s growing ambitions in space technology.